VIDEO: Dad undertakes septathlon with a twist to raise money

James Butler

Five hours on an exercise bike to raise money for charity sounds like a good effort.

But this is just the first of seven different activities for Simon Bashford, who today is past the half way mark of his week-long challenge to get donations for a blood cancer charity.

Simon Bashford starts a marathon of different sports for charity. Picture: Derek Martin

The 50-year-old pedalled for five hours on Monday at Virgin Active in the Rustington Golf Centre.

Yesterday he put on his bowling shoes for a 12-hour ten-pin bowling marathon.

And today, he was due to channel his inner Tiger Woods for 12 hours of par three golf at the centre.

The security officer said he raised £60 on the first day of the challenge, which he thought went ‘really well’ – thanks in part to the padded shorts he had invested in.

Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “I’m feeling better than what I was expecting. My bottom isn’t hurting too much today.”

On Tuesday, he completed a 12-hour snooker marathon at Goring Conservative Club in Mulberry Lane, Worthing, and tomorrow he will be returning there for half a day of darts.

Saturday’s challenge is a 12-hour pool marathon, also at Goring Conservative Club, but the main event comes on Sunday, when he is due to walk from Worthing Pier to Brighton Pier and back wearing a backpack weighing 50 pounds.

Speaking before the seven-day challenge, Simon said training was going well, and added: “I should be a little bit worn out at the end but there is nothing too difficult, I just need to put each bit all together. Hopefully it will go really well.”

His chosen charity is Anthony Nolan, a blood cancer charity which he has raised money for before.

For this challenge, he has raised £350 so far and hopes to smash the £1,500 mark soon.

A regular fundraiser for the charity, Simon has done many different events.